TV review: Life’s Too Short

Ricky Gervais returns to HBO with a series that isn’t as great as “Extras,” but that’s a tough act to follow.

“Life’s Too Short” is a mockumentary following Warwick Davis (“Willow”) as his life falls apart. Recently divorced, broke and struggling to get work, Davis would have a sad (fake) story if it wasn’t so damn funny.

Gervais and co-writer Stephen Merchant infuse a lot of uncomfortable humor into Davis’ character. The best and more overtly funny stuff comes when Gervais and Merchant are on screen playing versions of themselves.

Even the impressive guest stars (Liam Neeson, Johnny Depp) get better treatment than Davis, but I’m sure that’s the point.